October 2012 Whale Sightings

October 31, 2012

At about 11:45 this morning I was on the south end of Lopez, near Iceberg Point, watching a tanker moving through the choppy straits. Some of the splashing between me and the tanker was larger than the surrounding whitecaps and that splashing seemed to be moving east to west. After a few minutes of watching through the binoculars I was able to spot a minke whale breach completely clear of the water, heading west.
Tom Reeve, Lopez Island
Pacific white sided dolphins

October 30, 2012

1230 - Have 2 humpbacks near Blunden Is., Boundary Pass.
Ron Bates
*
From the Queen of Burnaby ferry at about 3:35 pm between Little River and Texada Island several hundred Pacific white sided dolphins seen in two groups some moving South and others moving North. Hard to judge numbers but the larger southbound group covered an area about 300 metres by fifty. Beautiful sight.
John Carter

October 29, 2012

5 pm - Just found J & K Pod along with L87 - all grouped up resting at Constance Bank. All in a tight resting line - Eastbound first, then westbound. Left them at 1730 hrs. right on top of Constance Bank at sunset, all grouped up MILLING..... No direction.
Jeff Lamarche
*12:55 - Humpbacks near Battleship/Roche Harbor.
James Mead Maya

October 28, 2012

From the West Seattle Blog: We followed them from roughly Alki all the way up to Mukilteo. We had all the members of J Pod, K Pod and a few L-Pod whales as well. Didn't see any foraging, but just lots of slow travel and socializing. Collected several fecal samples in addition to all the photo identification work.
Jeff Hogan
*6:30 - Pam, Cindy, Ed and I leave in darkness, could just see Js & Ks gliding northward 100 yards out from Edmonds dive Park buoys. So close to this side they very well could be heading up Possession Sound towards Mukilteo. Saw breaches, tail lobbing just before nightfall. Amazing journey with orca and other wildlife today.
6:00 - in the rain and waning daylight they are east of mid channel out from South Edmonds /Kingston. Foraging, tail lobbing and in general steady movement north
Alisa Lemire Brooks
*5:51pm - And now on to Edmonds-Kingston ferry lane.
5:43 - Many more suddenly closer in towards Richmond Beach. Probably 6-9 total. Some synchronized porpoising by 2, with non-sync'd porpoising by others close in. Looks like they're maybe on to something tasty!
5:38 - Another group of 3 closer in towards Richmond Beach. Rest of group spread all around mid channel buoy to N and S. Overall still heading N, possibly picking up speed.
5:32 - Ok, looks like clusters of three groups, totaling 10-15 killer whales. Lots of surface active behaviors, especially in the front and middle groups.
5:16 - Beginning to see activity SW of Richmond Beach now! Just saw a splash!
Dave Haas
*5:39 - Richmond Beach ORCAS & you don't need binoculars!
Eunice Jade Milligan
*5:18 - Orcas just passing Carkeek park heading north on west side of sound, moving slowly.
Martha Carlstead
*5:16 - Just watched them off Carkeek Park, now heading north towards Whidbey past Kingston.
Matt Bentley
*4:55 - they have pretty much stalled mid channel in line with Suquamish and Carkeek. foraging , tail lobs
Alisa Lemire Brooks
*4:40 - due east of north end of fay bainbridge. Looked like they stopped to feed but have resumed heading north.
Connie Bickerton
*3:46 - Seeing them from sunset west condos by Shilshole.
Katie Kirking
*3:35 - They just passed Discovery Park, steadily heading north!
Cara Appel
*3:24 - I'm at the south side of eagle harbor and they are north. Looks from here that they are just approaching west point light house (Discovery park).
Connie Bickerton
*
We were sailing along off Shilshole paralleling their course about 150 200 yards then they disappeared for about 3 or 4 minutes then out of no where they were behind us. What and exciting day.
Sean Kaier
*3:05 - all orca have grouped together traveling in tight group still in slow resting pattern in northerly direction. so beautiful!
Alisa Lemire Brooks
*2:58 - Off Magnolia now.
Pamela Grieff
*2:50 - Ed, Cindy and I are on the south bluff of Magnolia watching them. They are mid channel due west and north of Eagle Harbor very much stalled and in resting mode. Slow northerly movement.
Alisa Lemire Brooks
*2:48 - They are in Elliot bay right now near a tug boat. They were headed north, but now hanging out.
April Rebollo
*2:57 - Headed north again.
2:45 - Looks the whales are headed south again, south of magnolia.
2:25 - From this side it looks like they are in Elliott bay.
Connie Bickerton
*2:20 - group right in the middle of Seattle/Bainbridge ferry lanes still north bound, mid channel.
Alisa Lemire Brooks
*
To the delight of everyone on board, we saw orcas on both the outbound and return ferry trips between Seattle/Bainbridge, about 200 yards off. Outbound at 10:35 ferry: saw 4 or 5.... Return trip at 2:05, saw 6-8. They were playing, swimming, not sure about feeding. One breached up and out of water, then flopped on its side. Made everyone on board shriek with delight! On the return trip around 2:15 p.m. I saw one male. Have seen whales in this area before once a year or so ago.
Kyle Morrison
*1:50 - Looks like the lead group is just passing alki lighthouse.
Connie Bickerton
*1:44 - Hanging out at Alki Point in Seattle with tons of Whales. Assuming they're SRKW! WhaleTrail crew educating the locals. King 5 stopped by too. Happy Sunday!!!
Nishan DeSilva
*1:40 - Amazing display from queen Anne. Definitely headed north now. There is a research boat with them. Spread out but active and looks like a large group.
Katie Kirking
*1:40 - NOAA is with them. Lead group passing Restoration Point, others not far behind. Travelling steadily north.
Alisa Lemire Brooks
*1:19 - My wife and I have lived here two years now and finally saw our first orcas today b/c of your Facebook postings! We were at Alki too!
Chris Bast
*1:15 - I can see 4-5 blows north of Fauntleroy ferry terminal.
Connie Bickerton
*1:08 - stalled and treading northerly.
12:55 - from Charles Richey park (south Alki) seeing at least 2 males in this spread out group (lead approaching Vashon, tailenders passing Tillicum Village) slow, milling. Looking like 15-20. Thinking residents. Too far for ID's.
Alisa Lemire Brooks
*
Near the Richey Viewpoint in West Seattle, just south of Alki Point, at about 1 pm.
Brock Gilman
*12:55 - Two-an adult and a juvenile (whose breached several times) seem to be stalled to the north of alki's tip. I've seen at least one small boat appear to go right over the top of them and more boats are headed out.
Katie Kirking
*12:54 - Orcas heading north along Blake Island now.
Stephanie Raymond
*12:47 - Thank you SO much Orca Network!!! I'm at Alki Point seeing tons of orcas for the FIRST TIME! So excited!!!
Caroline Henry
*12:37 - Passing on the east side of Blake island. Hanging around Tillicum village.
Danielle Johnston
*12:32 - Just saw what I suspect was the tail end of the group passing between Alki and Bainbridge Island. Watching from lower queen Anne with binoculars. I saw what appeared to be an adult male and an adult female.
Katie Kirking
*12:08 - Watching from south of the side of the Alki lighthouse.
Danielle Johnston
*12:00 - We were on a boat in the middle of them today noon at Restoration Point!
Karen Rosenzweig
*11:59 - Seem to be milling around near mid channel buoy off restoration point (opposite Alki Point on Bainbridge Island).
Connie Bickerton
*11:56 - Ok. Definitely still moving south. Also seem like more than 8-10. There's a lead group but also very spread out.
11:52 - Seeing several (8-10 maybe?) milling about. Mid channel between alki point and Bainbridge Island. Primarily southbound but seem stalled and maybe eating?
Mike Russell
*11:30 am -25-30 Orca were seen off Restoration Point, near Blakely Rock (47 35.07 x 122 28.1), southbound. Possibly Feeding? Some deep dives and generally hanging out in the same area. At least 2 large males
Jamie Lang
*1115 - Report off whales off Shilshole Bay.
Ron Bates
*11:05 - Sally Sieber called with about 7 orcas off Yeomalt Point, Bainbridge Island, in mid-channel, heading south.
*11:48 - [Orcas] are near the mid channel marker of Restoration Point (Bainbridge Island).
11:37 - Still heading south but slowed down off of west seattle. Feeding maybe? Moving in all directions. Saw one breach and a tail slap.
11:28 - The whole group is passing alki and west seattle. Bremerton ferry riders getting a good view.
11:07 - Maybe 8-10 total? I'm above the south side of eagle harbor on Bainbridge Island.
11:03 - Just saw a couple cross the bainbridge ferry path - off west seattle haven't found more yet. Not sure how many were spotted earlier. Several more heading south just off west point. Mid channel maybe a little closer to bain side.
Connie Bickerton
*10:40 - Maya of WA State Ferries called at to say the captain of the "Tacoma" saw about 4 orcas heading south in the ferry lanes from Seattle.
*10:13 - We spent the last hour watching orcas pass by the Rolling Bay area on Bainbridge - heading south. Stunning!
Lynn Batson
*9:30 - Many orca at Yeomalt Point on the east side of Bainbridge Island Sunday morning. All are foraging and getting salmon. Some are within a 1/4 mile of the beach, others are out near the mid Chanel buoy SG. They appear to be making their way south slowly.
Chris slye
*
We saw a group of Orcas a couple hundred yards out from Blue Ridge beach (just north of Golden Gardens) this morning around 9 am. Looked like they were heading South.
Kevin Green
*
Several humpbacks foraged for much of the afternoon in Swanson Channel between Pender and Salt Spring Islands. Provided more than one passing ferry with a show.
Ian Pirie

October 27, 2012

5:43 - 3 breaches seen from the Mukilteo-Clinton ferry, also saw a mom and calf.
Lisa Jacobs
*
At 5:15 pm Orca Network board member Fred Lundahl of Langley reports 5 orcas off Clinton ferry dock heading up Saratoga Passage!! Might be time to ring the Langley Whale Bell tonight if they continue up that way....
*5ish - I just got home from the Mukilteo area, got to the Lighthouse as just the tail end of the group was passing, probably about 5ish? Not positive about the time.. One large male closest to the Mukilteo side, probably 150 yds out from the lighthouse. Others spread out across the channel, a couple over towards the Clinton side, and one or two drifted more towards Hat Island area. Left there and ran up to Harborview Park, where we could see them out between the Clinton and Hat Island area, looking like they were coming back together more, and headed up the Saratoga direction last I could see of them.
Pam Ren
*5:08 pm - Maya of the WA State Ferries called to relay a report from the master of the Kathlamet of about 8-10 orcas spread out evenly across Saratoga Passage, heading north.
*5:05 pm - Brian Schmitz reports 3 orcas just north of the Mukilteo ferry lane, including 2 males.
*430 pm - Just saw-about five orcas headed north in Posession sound. Appeared to be feeding.
Kaarina
*
Rob Miller posted a report of 6-8 orcas between S. Whidbey across Possession Sound to Shipwreck heading north toward Mukilteo at 3:50 pm - breaching, playing, along the eastern shore.

October 26, 2012

Js and Ks off the Belle Chains (between Saturna and Mayne Islands in the Canadian Gulf Islands) southbound! Yay!
John Boyd
*
My next-door neighbour also heard Orcas at 0430 today off Mouat Point on Pender Island.
Kathy Gilbert
*3:20 pm - Resident Orcas found off the Belle Chain Island (between Saturna & Mayne Island, BC Gulf Islands). Probably the J's and K's that went north a few days ago.
Ocean EcoVentures Whale Watching
*
Justine on the Victoria Clipper IV called at 9:55 am to say they found a spread out group of orcas, they believe the same ones who were in Puget sound yesterday, on Eastern Bank, which is about 9 miles NW of Pt. Wilson (the north end of Admiralty Inlet) in the Strait of Juan de Fuca. They appear to be headed NW up Haro Strait.
Transients (Bigg's killer whales)
*T20 & T21 were in Haro southwest of Kelp Reef Northbound! :)
John Boyd
*
My next-door neighbour heard Orcas at 0430 today, off Mouat Point on Pender Island.
Kathy Gilbert
*2:10 pm - A group of Transient Orcas just got picked up near Oak Bay - watch out Harbour Seals!
Prince of Whales

October 25, 2012

Heard Orcas at approx. 2115 hrs both traveling and playing or feeding going south to north off Mouat Point on Pender Island (48 deg 46.6 x 123 deg 19.1). No idea about numbers or duration, as I had just stepped outside after walking the dog, but I could hear more than a few traveling both north and south of our location. I continued to listen until 2130. I believe I heard an older and younger Orca playing or feeding at this location for that 15 minute period time before moving north.
Kathy Gilbert
*8:32 - Orcas just past Alki point in the dark. You could barely see them, but you could really hear them blow, tail lobbing too.
Bill Rogers
*
Jeff Hogan of Killer Whale Tales calls in an update at 6:05 pm: he is watching the pod of 12 + orcas, grouped up now, and in the Bainbridge/Seattle ferry lanes - good news for commuters!
*6:00 - We leave as they continue south out of view, two groups both with one large male gliding along in flat waters hugging Magnolia. Another group of 3-5 are closer to mid channel and the tail enders just passed West Point five minutes ago all at a slow, resting pace.
Alisa Lemire Brooks
*
I rushed out of the house to see them from Fay Bainbridge Park and caught them out towards Discovery Park. The orca endorphins cured my headache, so double thanks!
Kate Schmiett
*5:45 - Ed and I are at Sunset park above Shilshole...lead group passed by West Point/Discovery Park, very close to this side. pace has slowed, seas are super calm. other group more mid channel nearing WP/DP.
Alisa Lemire Brooks
*5:42 - Just saw one heading south. Looked to be off the discovery park light house.
Connie Bickerton
*
Brad Hanson of NOAA Fisheries reports they were with parts of L pod today, leaving them around 5:30 pm as the whales continued south past West Pt. Some of the whales were traveling very spread out throughout the day, other times bunching up into groups. Some foraging was observed, including a calf and a juvenile both with a salmon in their mouth, but no fish scales were collected today to determine fish species or stocks.
*5:05 - Watching from sunset hill park viewpoint above shilshole. Tracking about 5 heading south, closer to Bainbridge side but few midchannel.
Jill Irwin
*5:04 - We are at Golden Gardens too. See them sightline passing Fay Bainbridge spread out in a couple of loose groups...lots of surface activity. breaches, porpoising...still southbound! Ed said Brad has his poop scooping net : )
Alisa Lemire Brooks
*5 pm - I'm at Fay Bainbridge. Very spread out. Some out if sight to the south, others still coming from the north. Research boat is slightly south west of me.
Connie Bickerton
*4:56 - I can see them with binocs from Golden Gardens. If you can find the research boat off the north end of Bainbridge you'll see them.
Jon Scanlon
*4:21 - Updates from whale watchers seeing the orcas now off Fay Bainbridge Park and across from Carkeek Park, north of Seattle, on the mainland.
*4:15 - Jeff Hogan relayed a report from an observer at Carkeek Park that Orcas are in front of Port Madison, north end of Bainbridge Island, still heading south, very spread out.
*3:00 - all the whales are just passing south of kingston seem to be picking up speed. I am heading to richmond beach and then carkeek.
2:45 - whales at southend of edmonds still tracking south, very spread out. Saw some awesome wake surfing!
2:10 - I have moved to fishing pier. Orcas spread out mid channel west and northwest of edmonds. Saw one breach near noaa boat which appears to be sticking with trailers.
1:46 - Lead group heading south between edmonds and eglon. They are east of shipping lane (freighter just passed behind them). Noaa is back with the more northern group.
1:28 - NOAA boat just moved south and picked up another group of whales. Can't tell how many, but there are at least two groups spread out in the possession triangle.
Ed Brooks
*
Brad Hanson of NOAA Fisheries just called in an update on the whales at 12:30 - they are now spread out over the "Possession Triangle" (between Pt. No Point, S. Whidbey, and Edmonds) - so far they have identified L pod whales.
*10:59 - From Bush Point we just spotted spouts over by hansville and skunk bay, hdg towards point no point.
Susan Berta
*9:24 am - Justine, aboard the Victoria Clipper IV reports 10-12 orcas going south in Admiralty Inlet between Ft. Flagler and Lagoon Point.
Orca Network
*
Heard Orcas at approx. 2115 hrs both traveling and playing or feeding going south to north off Mouat Point on Pender Island (48 deg 46 x123 deg 19). No idea about numbers or duration, as I had just stepped outside after walking the dog, but I could hear more than a few travelling both north and south of our location. I continued to listen until 2130. I believe I heard an older and younger Orca playing or feeding at this location for that 15 minute period time before moving north.
Kathy Gilbert
*
Ken Balcomb of the Center for Whale Research relayed reports of Transient orcas - the T49s - off the Victoria Waterfront around 4:30 - 5 pm today.
*
We found a Transient Orca Super Pod of at least 28 whales off the southern tip of Texada Island. We were the only boat with them and witnessed major amounts of socializing.... Basically a huge Transient party, everywhere you looked there were whales!!
Ocean EcoVentures Whale Watching - Cowichan Bay
*
We left our dock not knowing if there were any whales out there to be seen. Soon we heard of humpbacks up near Moresby Island, BC, to the west of Stuart Island. As we made our way to the humpies, we came across a group of Dall's Porpoise that played with the boat. After about 15 minutes we left the delightful black and white little guys and proceeded to the mom and calf humpback. Beautiful light, lots of fluking.
Capt. Jim Maya
*
Ken Balcomb of the Center for Whale Research relayed reports of a total of 9 humpback whales in the Victoria area today in several locations, including Constance Bank, Moresby Island, and Mouat Pt.

October 24, 2012

October 23, 2012

This afternoon during our 2pm trip we found 6-8 Transient Orcas, including T20 & T21, about 2 miles south of Race Rocks! We watched them head east for a while then they turned and headed west after making a kill.
Andrew Lees
*
Marti Tilley called at 4 pm from North Pender Island after seeing many orcas headed slowly NW up Swanson Channel for about 45 minutes, in singles and small groups, fishing, socializing, going all directions, but gradually moving toward Active Pass.
*
At least 5 whales spotted from BC ferry (3 o clock sailing to Victoria (Sidney?)) traveling south fairly close to shore. Not sure what island but spotted at 4:15 so closer to the Victoria end.
Marie Noel
*
Sounds like Js and Ks went north up west San Juan Island this morning, and this afternoon are up north in the Gulf Islands ~
Orca Network
*
The Center for Whale Research was with orca beginning off Open Bay between San Juan and Henry Islan) at 11 am and ending off Turn Point Lighthouse, Stuart Island) at 12:55 pm.
*10:33 am - Starting to hear them on the OrcaSound hydrophone now. : )
Gayle Swigart
*10:35 - Boat noise fading and prominent orca calls coming through.
Marcie Callewaert
*
Getting louder at 10:05Still hearing calls at 9:58, some faint, plus boat noise.
Joy Franks
*11:46 - calls still audible. Ship noise now overtakes. look forward to people's photos.
11:08 - still loud calls from all three pods at OrcaSound. Hearing echolocation in there too!
10:06 - definitive K calls.. Members of all pods on the west side, sweet.
10:02 - heard some clicks and still hearing loud J & L calls.
9:37 - Loud J & K calls on Lime Kiln.
Alisa Lemire Brooks

October 22, 2012

October 21, 2012

During Sunday's 2pm trip we had between 7-8 Humpback Whales, including a Mother & Calf, a few miles south of Victoria:)
Andrew Lees
*9:21 am - Just saw a twitter post that reported orcas off Salmon Bank (off San Juan Island) so looks like at least some of the crew is up North.
Amy Carey

October 20, 2012

10 am - Sally Seiber watched for over an hour while orcas foraged between Yeomalt Point and Wing Point on Bainbridge Island.
*7:22 - This is one of the best Port Townsend hydrophone events I have had the privilege to listen in on.
Alisa Lemire Brooks
*7:12 pm - Calls are really great now on the Pt. Townsend hydrophones! I think we have members of all 3 pods - continuing making their way out of Admiralty Inlet - off Port Townsend now, partying on a Saturday night ~
6 pm - Orcas passing Lagoon Pt. now, some milling, mostly heading west.
Susan Berta
*6:46 - definite calls, faint but a plenty! J Pod!
Okay maybe now a faint call 6:37, anyone else hear it?
5:58 - Ed thought he just heard a faint call on PT hydrophone.
Alisa Lemire Brooks
*6:44 pm - SRKW calls on the Port Townsend hydrophone. Still faint but K and L pod calls are clear, Js will be along any second now.
Meg McDonald
*7:44 pm - What an amazing, fantastic day Marilyn and I just had at Bush Point! We waited for over 2 hours, were freezing cold, wet and hungry. Had just decided to give up and head towards home unless we heard anymore reports. We were just a couple blocks up the hill where we could see south over the water...and there were blows galore! So we high tailed it back down to the beach. What a sight! Many, many orca spread out, at first circling and chasing fish. After about 15 minutes or so of that, there were still more coming from the south, and they continued to circle and feed. Soon, they apparently were feeling well fed enough to play around a bit. We started seeing many breaches all around and across the channel, some closer to us, some far over near the other side. And then, a tug boat came thru...suddenly there were at least 3 orca chasing and surfing the wake of the tug! One caught up to the tug, and was surfing not more than probably about 30 ft behind it! ...an amazing sight to see. We took photos, but haven't had a chance to download and see what we got. I did shot video of some of the surfing, but not sure how it will turn out.
Pam Ren
*5:33 - Just watched the orcas pass by bush point, heading towards lagoon point.
Susan Berta
*4:56 pm - Orcas at Bush Point!!! Headed North!!
Tim Oliver
*4:42 - Elsa Leavitt called to say orcas are headed up Admiralty Inlet past Bush Point.
*4:40 pm - Orcas reported spread out, just south of Bush Pt, slowly heading north. Sun is out, hail is melting!
Susan Berta
*4:40 - Christina Baldwin called with a sighting of 10-20 orcas headed north from Adams Rd., just south of Bush Point.
*3:38 pm - Here's our "Orca report" just now from Sound Experience aboard the Schooner Adventuress! Crew report "We are having an epic Member Transit so far! Just saw Orcas off Point No Point (everywhere!). They were flipping tails, spy hopping and one was rolling in the water. Seven or eight in total, and even some little ones! Then it hailed and the wind came up. Will post photos as soon as possible!"
Catherine Collins
*1:43 pm - Last report from Darcie Larson: Just did one last scan with binocs & sighted a blow and a fin over on the Whidbey side - vicinity of Double Bluff.
*12:28 pm - Can see them with binocs from Pt. No Pt. to just north of Edmonds on Edmonds side. Slow northward progression.
Joel Petree
*12:25 pm - Seeing distant fins from Edmonds fishing pier - north of Kingston heading north.
Darcie Larson
*12:20 pm - John Rogstad with WA State Ferries called relaying a report of orcas off the Kingston ferry dock area - still heading north. A big shout out to our great friends at WA State Ferries for helping us keep tabs on the whales, and for enabling a lot of folks to get to see the whales from the many ferry crossings in the Salish Sea ~
*
Dorsals in front of Pt No Pt. at 1:35 Breach splash north of Pt No Pt at 1:41pm. I'm calling it for Admiralty Inlet.
1:26 - More dorsals, quite close in, south of Pt No Point about 5 minutes ago. Just now, a group further south, spread out from mid channel to a bit east of mid channel. 1:24pm. I'm at Haines Wharf Park (north of Edmonds, south of Meadowdale Park).
1:15 - I see dorsal fins mostly heading north, favoring mid channel to west of mid channel (favoring Pt No Point) side. There could still be east side stragglers like at Richmond Beach earlier today, but greatest number of KWs seem to be more on an Admiralty Inlet path so far.
1:08 - I saw dorsal fins moving north, closer to Pt No Point / Kitsap side about 10 minutes ago. Now seeing more sign of KWs N of Edmonds / S of Picnic Point, mid channel. Could go either way at this point.
Dave Haas
*11:40 am - Update - sounds like the orcas have reached the Richmond Beach and Edmonds area, still heading north. Keep an eye on them and let us know if it looks like they're going to head north up into Possession Sound (Mukilteo/Clinton) or turn west out Admiralty Inlet (between Whidbey and N. Kitsap Peninsula) ~ hope the sun keeps shining!
*11:24 - Some straying farther east when group passed Richmond Beach a few min ago, great time to be at Edmonds about now.
11:19 - Just saw a bunch pass midchannel heading north from north bluff of Richmond Beach park.
Jill Irwin
*11:16 am - Might be stalling or turning around south of Pt No Point - some fins going southbound.
Darcie Larson
*11:30 - At least two more KWs have appeared closer to Richmond Beach side now, and others appear to be spreading out from mid-channel, moving mostly north.
11:23 - Wow - at least one large female just breached in front of Richmond Beach. She's heading towards Pt. Wells / Edmonds now. Here's a link to 4 photos I took of the female that breached just off Richmond Beach. None are of the actual breach, just her swimming away afterward.
11:10 - Group is tightening up and reforming. All on the west side of mud-channel buoy, still south of Kingston. At least 10 in the group now. Heading north.
11:02 - Another group I'd missed is heading north; they are south of and approaching the mid-channel buoy, closer to the Kitsap side.
11:00 - Lead group is roughly ESE of Jefferson Beach Park's dock. Still very active behavior (looks like foraging) with lots of sea birds nearby "helping out".
10:41 am - Seeing them now: lots of blows along the NE side of Bainbridge Island. General trend still looks northbound.
Dave Haas
*9:45 am - Watching them passing Fay Bainbridge State Park now.
JP Werlin
*9:25a..posting helps me find them : ) see many blows north of Eagle cove, probably approaching or near Rolling Bay (south of Fay Bainbridge Park). moving steadily north. Mid channel to west of.
8:50 am - from Richmond Beach I could see some blows a bit north of her sighting, very mid channel, but have not had a visual since.
Alisa Lemire Brooks
*Orcas heading back north at 8:35. Off Bainbridge approaching Eagle Harbor now. One may be past my point of viewing, but there are at least 10 including what looks like mom and baby. Good morning PNW!
Heather Polverino

October 19, 2012

6:30pm - We spotted a pod of orcas just off of Maury Island Friday evening.
Stephanie
*
We just sighted a pod of orcas off the SE coast Maury Island at Sandy Shores headed south at 6:05 PM. Not sure which pod they are, but we saw one large dorsal fin along with several medium and small ones.
Blaise
*5:26 - On their way into a southend vashon sunset. Lead group nearing piner point and traveling at a good clip.
Amy Carey
*5:25 - rounding Pt Robinson heading west.
Heather Kennedy
*4:32 - Pt Robinson southbound.
3:56 - A bit northbound now but look like they are still deciding.
Amy Carey
*
Amy called from between Dilworth and Pt. Robinson at about 3:10 to say they were still headed south down the east side of Vashon Island.
*
Here are some pics that I took of the Orcas that were off of Vashon Island. Half were taken at Dilworth beach, and the other half at Point Robinson. I hope they help with ID's.
Kelly Keenan
Dave ellifrit identified J16, J26, J42, J34, K14, K26, K42, K33, K34, K35, L72, L87, L92, and L95 in there at least.*
At 2:12 John Ferrero called from W. Seattle (107th St.) while watching orcas spread out across the channel, mostly on the Vashon side, still trending south.
*2:09 - They are all just passing my home on Vashon. Spread out about 1/2 mile mid westish channel so many I can't count them. Should be passing KVI beach in about 10 mins.
Jan Kubat Staehli
*1:40 - Amy Carey of Vashon Island called with an update: the orcas are foraging off Dolphin Pt, NE Vashon Island, just south of the ferry dock - they are still moving south slowly, but doing a lot of foraging - good news! She said the water is nice and flat there, making for good viewing of the whales! Find a good beach south of there, or hop on one of the Vashon ferries for a good view of the orcas!
*12:56 - Very north end of Vashon, appear to be headed into colvos passage but hard to tell from West Seattle.
Jill Irwin
*12:56 - I'm on gatewood hill and can see them with a telescope. They should be heading into the fauntleroy ferry lane about now. On the east side of Vashon.
Krista Larson Billinghurst
*12:31 - South end of Blake Island.
Caroline Kogan
*12:29 - From Lowman Beach, I can see one about halfway between Blake and Vashon.
Trileigh Tucker
*
Jeff Hogan called at 12:28 while watching the lead group of orcas now south of the Fauntleroy ferry lane, still heading south.
12:22 - Jeff Hogan called to say the whales seem to have stalled out between Blake Island and Alki Point. He's confident of seeing L87, which tells us that J pod at the least is out there.
*12:21 - Watching them approach the south tip of Blake isl now.
Whitney Neugebauer
*12:01 - a group of them are at the northeast end of Blake Island heading south. Lot's of breaching and tail slaps. I haven't seen any research boats out there. They're going to be passing Lincoln Park in a few minutes.
Krista Larson Billinghurst
*11:56 - Standing at Emma Schmitz point west Seattle saw pod with binoculars very close to shores of Blake island.
Robert Bohus
*12:29 - From Lowman Beach, I can see one about halfway between Blake and Vashon.
11:55 - I'm at Mee Kwa Mooks-they're on the other side of the channel, heading south, passing the middle of Blake Island.
Trileigh Tucker
*11:54 - I'm at Beach Dr along the west side of Alki point. Saw a few but nothing for the last 15 minutes. Where did they go?
Wendy Horger Alsup
*11:18 - They're visible from lower queen Anne with binoculars. I've seen a couple a big breaches!
Katie Kirking
*11:09 -Orcas at west Seattle lighthouse heading south. Bring gloves jacket and binoculars.
Kristina Borgstrom
*11:08 - Watching them through a telescope on the 62nd floor of the Seattle Municipal Tower. Pretty cool.
Kristina Duca
*11:04 - They're at the WS lighthouse. Happy whale day!!! Orcas orcas orcas.
Kristina Borgstrom
*11:02 - Orcas off Alki heading towards light house. At least one large male!
Shelby Proie
*11:00 am - Jeff Hogan has orcas coming toward Alki Point now.
*10:44 - Jeff Hogan sees them from north of Alki Point to Eagle Point, Bainbridge Island.
*10:42 - I am on that ferry, saw a few towards West Seattle.
Kristen Komedal Schwartz
*10:40 am - John Rogstad of WA St. Ferries relayed a report from the ferry captain of the Bainbridge to Seattle run of "too many to count" in mid-channel and all over the ferry lane, "frolicking in all directions."
*10:15 - Just spotted the pod off of Bainbridge point! Seen from Perkins Lane in Magnolia!!!!
Alexa Jarvis
*9:45 - I also saw them headed south off meadow point! They were about a quarter to half mile out.
Toby Black
*Orcas are plowing southward in Puget Sound this morning. The Victoria Clipper reports 15-20 orca in mid-channel off Meadow Point, near Shilshole, at 8:40 am.
*1:05 am - just thought we may have heard some distant calls on the Pt. Townsend hydrophone.
Susan

October 18, 2012

We have a report of Transient Orcas spotted by Monarch Head in the afternoon.
Andrew Lees
*
We encountered at least 4 Humpback Whales east of Race Rocks today.
Andrew Lees

October 17, 2012

October 16, 2012

L pod traveled from Pile Point to Hein Bank this morning and then continued SW into very rough seas this afternoon.
Andrew Lees
*
We had J's and K's (and of course L87) travelling south in Haro Strait this AM, and it appears that they went out the Strait of Juan de Fuca in the PM. Methinks that they went up along the Sunshine coast and up around Hornsby Island before coming back this way. That has been a pattern around this time of year. Some Chum salmon up this way, but not lots. J49 looked good.
Kenneth C. Balcomb, Senior Scientist, CWR

October 15, 2012

10:34 am - Killer whale sighting 8-10 miles SW in mid Haro Strait, east of Victoria.
09:34 am - Killer whale sighting off Lime Kiln State Park.
Faint SRKW calls on Lime Kiln hydrophones - 8:35 am.
Gayle Swigart
*
At 3:30 [orcas] were to the east of Point No Point about a mile heading north but also feeding, frolicking with breaches, a spy hop and some tail action. The salmon were jumping all over the place from eglon to Point no Point. The fog settled in so I couldn't see them after about 30 minutes.
Dianne Dee Iverson
*
At 1:05 I observed [orcas] about a mile out from the point just to the south of Kingston, heading south. There were a few hanging out about 1/2 mile north of the main group.
Casey Burns
*12:18 - They are off Apple Tree Point now, moving north.
Aimee Anderson Svarthumle
*
The WA state ferry Puyallup called with a report of orcas northbound, mid-channel, .5 mile off Appletree Cove near Kingston at 11:20 am.
*
I saw a pod of Orcas around 11am at Jefferson Point heading north.
Tom
*
A pod of 8 or more, Orca I believe, appear to be feeding off of 22768 Jefferson Pt. Rd., Kingston. 10:40 -11:15 am. Moving slowly north and more toward the middle of the Sound. Two leaped totally out of the water.
Teri
*
At least 6 off of Faye Bainbridge right now, 2-3 males, 3 females mid channel.
Heather Polverino
*9:02 am - Seeing 2-3 [orcas] spread out between West Point (Discovery park) buoy and east of the separation buoy generally headed North fishing the tidal/current lines. Visibility deterorating.
Lance King
*
WS Ferries reports an orca pod in central Puget Sound, off Bainbridge Island, heading north this morning at 8:13 am.
*Note: From the numbers and behavior reported, and photos published on KING5 TV, these reports from Admiralty Inlet and Puget Sound of October 13, 14, and 15 appear to be transients, but no positive IDs are available.

October 14, 2012

Took my kids on a 5-mile drive by the Point Defiance Zoo. Initially, we were observing some eagles. Then suddenly, a pod of Orcas appeared in the water. We followed along the road as far as we could, taking pictures and enjoying this incredible experience.
Robert_Storof28
*
Walking along the beach this morning (11am) at Port Townsend Marine Science Center and rewarded as 8 to 10 Orcas rounded Point Wilson headed south toward Marrowstone Point and Fort Flagler - frolicking - backflip, spyhop, jumping clear of the water - one with a [tall] dorsal - moving pretty quick.
William H Wise
*
The last week has been a Humpback Whale feast between Race Rocks and Sooke! We encountered 11 Humpback Whales off Sooke on Oct 10th, with Transient Orcas encountered near Race Rocks on the way home. On Oct 11th we encountered a total of 4 Humpback Whales including the Mother & Calf that have been around for a few months now and started Breaching not long after we arrived on scene!! We also saw a number of Humpback Whales on Oct 12th, 13th & 14th all between Race Rocks & Sooke. This has been the best year ever for Humpback Whale encounters:)
Andrew Lees

October 13, 2012

Spotted orcas north of point no point WA around 9 am today. Not sure on the number but there were a few. They were feeding on salmon. Not sure of the direction of travel.
Matt Leach
*
I was looking out from Beechyhead in East Sooke park (west of Victoria) today and saw both humpbacks and killer whales. At about 2PM one humpback breached just off shore and it seemed to have something red hanging from it's mouth. I took video and sent in some screen shots. A whale watching boat was near, they probably got good identification shots of the tail.
Vincenz Eberl
*
Large numbers of L Pod plus K21, were near Beachy Bay headed east. We even sighted several humpbacks but didn't have time to get close. What an afternoon! And as it turned out, early evening. A long, wonderful voyage.
Captain Jim Maya
*
My husband just saw some orcas between the north end of Vashon and the south end of Blake Island at around 12:30 PM. Not sure which pod. They were headed south.
Melissa Frykman-Thieme
*
Our afternoon trip started out with the possibility of two transients way out near Race Rocks, west of Victoria. So we headed out across Haro Strait toward Victoria. At about ten miles before we get to Race, we hear over the radio that the other boats have lost the Ts. Ok! We slow down and we start scanning and slowly moving west. Then we hear that wonderful word. CONTACT! But the Ts are 5 miles west of Race Rocks. When you've come this far, you go for it. We reached the Transient Orcas, about 10 of them. Great! Even though they were elusive, the water was amazingly calm and the Olympics as a backdrop were stunning. Even for a short visit, lovely. Just before we leave to head back toward our dock, we heard that Residents have been sighted. How could we pass that up. It turns out to be large numbers of L Pod plus K21, were near Beachy Bay headed east (see above report). We even sighted several humpbacks but didn't have time to get close. What an afternoon! And as it turned out, early evening. A long, wonderful voyage.
Captain Jim Maya

October 12, 2012

No whales yesterday, but we did see lots of Dall's porpoise, and amazing country. Today, just as we were leaving the dock we heard over the radio, "Contact!" Ts at the top of President Channel. Great afternoon with the T100s and then we went up toward Patos to get a quick look at the T30s. Just about to head home and then they turned and headed toward the Patos Light. Couldn't leave! I love Orcas with lighthouses!
Capt. Jim

October 11, 2012

10:58 am - Watching Humpback whale and baby just off Otter Point BC. No direction just feeding for last 1/2 hr.
Rachel Reynolds

October 10, 2012

Spent the afternoon today with JPod in the Georgia Strait!
Barbara Gould Saylor
*
Ocean Ecoventures of Cowichan Bay, Vancouver Island is reporting seeing all the Southern Residents today somewhere near their vicinity.
*
The Residents were picked up late this morning near East Point heading towards Pt. Roberts. Meanwhile out west we had 11 Humpback Whales off Sooke, including one that breached:) As if that was not enough the T2's and T49A were found just west of Race Rocks and they were attacking a Harbor Seal! Epic day on the water:)
Andrew Lees
*8:30 am - The minke whales are still in the straits (north of Port Townsend), feeding on the fish balls. Perhaps one or two adults and a juvenile?
Annette Huenke, Port Townsend

October 9, 2012

Made it just in time to see the southern residents passing Keystone, Whidbey Island today - spotted a big dorsal fin as we were launching the boat. It didn't take long to see more whales heading north towards a couple of whale watch boats, with Howie Garrett and Florian Graner nearby. Sea conditions were perfect, calm with no wind, and with the engine turned off we could hear those wonderful blows. Whales everywhere, ahead of us, either side of us, coming up behind us on yet another glorious October day. I've had my whale 'fix' before leaving for the UK to talk about the southern residents at Whale Fest.
Sandy Pollard
*
Florian Graner and I launched under heavy overcast skies just before noon from the south end of Whidbey Island after hearing a report from Ken Balcomb that the orcas were north of Point No Point, headed north. We found the first dorsal fins just south of Bush Point at 1:15. They were spread out across Admiraly Inlet, with many close to the Whidbey side. I rapidly fired off ID shots as Florian alternately shot stills and HD footage, some mixed with incredible vocals through a hydrophone. We hop-scotched along as small groups and singles appeared at random all around us, ever northward past Lagoon Point. As we approached the Port Townsend/Coupeville ferry lane the clouds lifted and blue skies spread across the horizon. From Admiral's Cove to Port Townsend Bay dorsals continually rose with the mighty whooosh of orca breath, only to glide back beneath the glassy surface. For miles in all directions breaches were seen and heard, with occasional spy-hops and taillobs animating the flat water, as ferries sailed past. We had the feeling of accompanying a meandering tribe of foraging orcas making their way to parts unknown (to us). It was hard to know how many were ahead or behind us at any time, but by the angled sun at about 5:15 pm we were roughly 2 miles SW of Smith Island, or 6-8 miles south of Lopez Is., and it was time to head back.
Howard Garrett
*
Some of the SRKW's today in Admiralty Inlet. What a treat to spend several hours with them as they slowly meandered northward, between Bush Point and Ebey's Landing, spread out across the entire Inlet. Granny, Blackberry, Speiden and Polaris were the easy ones to recognize but there were many many whales out there.
Jill Hein
*
I thought I would report sighting what appeared to be two pods of Orcas, at least they were quite a distance apart from one another. I was fishing at Lagoon Point when we sighted them. Not yet being aware of the kind of information you like to observe, I can only say that the first pod seemed to have five Orcas and one of them definitely had a very large fin (male). They were traveling south to north and if I recall correctly it was shortly after high tide (1:41pm) and not long after a submarine had just gone by heading out to sea. They were not playing or delaying, but traveling north at a pretty good clip. We spotted them south of the beach and lost track of them after the Port Townsend area. They were too far out to see any markings, pretty much in the shipping lanes. Hope that info is helpful.
Bob Nuerenberg
*
Observed what appeared to be 8 to 10 orcas moving north very slowly between Bush Point and Lagoon Point at between 12:50 and 1:15pm. Lots of tail slapping, spy hopping and a couple of good breaches. Fun to watch!
Vicki Claude
*12:10 - Karen Anderson called from south of Bush Point, Whidbey Island, while watching many orcas very close to shore, breaching, spyhopping and very active.
*About 25 Transients, the T30s, 90s, 100s, 101s and more, at the west end of Galiano Island, BC. Porlier Pass.
Capt. Capt. Jim Maya

October 8, 2012

7:41 pm - Amazing, I watched them from Lowman Beach (West Seattle) as the sun set. An incredible experience.
Kate Calamatta
*7:30 - Just watched them march south past Upper Fauntleroy, parallel to shipping lanes.
Jon Lee
*6:32 - Some now near the Vashon Ferry Lanes - southbound
Amy Carey
*
Florian Graner and I departed Holmes Harbor just after 11 am and saw the first dorsals south of Edmonds at about 12:30. They were completely spread across Puget Sound, meandering and foraging as they moved slowly southward. The highlight was when 8 to 10 orcas surfed a large wake from a big container ship as it spread across the Sound. They were mostly submerged, just black and white forms through the watery lens, with just the tips of dorsals ripping the surface at great speed as they were propelled along, angling forward to maximize the rush. Further south we found that a few orcas, including baby J49, had meandered into Elliot Bay and seemed to like it there, maybe feasting on chum waiting for a good rain to head up the Duwamish River to spawn.
Howard Garrett
*6:31 - they're just passing the south end of Blake Island right now. Should be crossing the Fauntleroy ferry lane shortly in the setting sun. Epic. Although they are TEENY TINY from my house. I can still see them though!
Krista Larson Billinghurst
*Resident Orca morning to sundown: First from Edmonds watched the orca mid channel between Point No Point and Whidbey, then moved to Carkeek, then Golden Gardens as we watched them foraging, breaching, porpoising, and meandering their way south down Puget Sound, past Bainbridge and around Alki/Blake Island on towards Vashon by sundown.
Alisa Lemire Brooks
*
Saw several orca behind my house (just south of Alki lighthouse in west seattle) this evening around 5, but there were likely more than that present (just not all surfacing at once). They were just west of weather watch park in West Seattle (4035 Beach Dr SW seattle WA). They swam around for a long time just north of blake island, but eventually headed south towards Tacoma. I saw them around 6:30-7:30 this evening. They were probably feeding, as they hung around a long time in this area. A few breached (jumped out of the water), but mostly, they just porpoised occasionally in the area. Males?: I think so, but I am no expert. Definitely there were some with dorsal fins *much* larger than others.
Joel Zylberberg
*5-10 (or more!) orcas spotted heading south at 4:45pm today, crossing in front of the Bainbridge-Seattle ferry! It was amazing!
Maggie Pettit
*1:35 - from Carkeek can see them across more on Kitsap side, some just off Fay Bainbridge park and others in port Madison and off Jefferson PT. still south bound.
12:40 pm - the orcas are spread out from just N of Kingston to about 5 miles south, with lots of foraging and tail slapping going on.
Noon - orcas all over, between Edmonds and Kingston, some tail slaps, still heading south.
10:43 - I see activity both north and southbound shipping lanes between Pt No Pt and Scatchet head. Still far off from my vantage and pretty hazy out there.
10:28 - from Edmonds: finally spotted activity south of Pt No Pt that side of mid channel. Quite a few breaches.
Alisa Brooks
*12:32 - Watched them from the Kingston/Edmonds ferry and then watched them for 30 minutes from the beach in Edmonds. Looks like they are heading south.
Jennifer Hiner
*12:20 - Watching from Richmond beach now. They just passed Kingston still heading south.
11:39 - Watching from point Edwards now. They are heading south still spread out mid channel.
Whitney Neugebauer
*12:15 - Maya, with WA State Ferries called to relay a report from the Edmonds Ferry - a large pod of orcas hanging out off Edmonds at 12:15 pm, foraging, possibly heading south.
*9:37 am - A large group of Orcas went by Pt. no Pt -heading south. They were quite a ways out probably closer to Whidbey Island.
9:36 am - A large group of Orcas passing Maxwelton Beach and heading south. Seen from Pt. No Pt. with binoculars.
Judy Anderson Roupe
*
I live at the USGS Station in Fort Flagler State Park at the north end of Marrowstone Island. A coworker and I spotted a very large group of orcas traveling South at little after 7 am. They were traveling in two groups and we estimated the total number to be around 60 but we weren't sure if it was one large spread out group, or two distinct groups. They were porpoising the entire time and had at least two babies that we could see as well as a few males. They were too far away to see any individual markings or to take photos. Orcas this far south in the sound are fairly rare, they're usually seen once or twice a year here at the station but never in such large numbers. Hope this info helps!
Naomi Lewandowski
*
What a way to spend Canadian thanksgiving! We got an early report of T's heading west along Valdes Island. We headed up that way and a few miles east of Ballenas Island, in the Strait of Georgia, we saw the T30's. The water was so beautifully flat and the whales were traveling in a tight group. The whales were traveling about 8 knots for the last 20 minutes of our trip heading northwest! They were on a mission to get somewhere, I heard about an hour later they joined up with approximately 12 more whales. Nothing like flat seas and T's during the day and a turkey dinner at night.
Gary Sutton, Wild Whales Vancouver
*12:15pm, at least 3 minkes, perhaps sei whales, just going back and forth, south of Victoria.
10am - There is a pair of minkes between Victoria and Port Townsend right now.
7:45 - 8:15 - There was a pair of minkes out there this morning
Annette Huenke, Port Townsend

October 7, 2012

Love it that the So. Residents are already checking out the restored Elwha river, along with the salmon who have wasted no time going up the river before the dam removals are even completed! At least there are whales around. J Pod and K Pod are at the Elwha River right now while L Pod coming in from Victoria. 2 Humpbacks were in San Juan Channel this morning but have since exited though Cattle Pass and into Haro strait. There are Transient orcas up north as well.
Melisa Pinnow
*6 Transient Orcas were seen 7 miles east of Sekiu, and they were heading East along the kelp beds. There was at least one male (large dorsal fin) and they were aggressively hunting seals (throwing one of them into the air). I did not see the Orcas personally, but I got several first hand accounts and saw one video which was recorded by a fisherman who got much too close to the group of Orcas.
Eli Owens
*
We were hiking around Turn Island (outside Friday Harbor)- and heard a strange notice - almost siren like - heard it again and saw a whale come up out of the water and just saw the tail as it went under - fluke like - humpback?
At approx 11:30am. We heard the trumpeting sound several more times working its way around Turn Island in the direction of the point - but did not see it.
Carol Munro
*
There was a Humpback Whale south of Turn Island in San Juan Channel this afternoon.
Ivan Reiff
*11:00 am - Lone whale spotted off Pt. Caution off of Washington Way heading for Friday Harbor.
Joy Franks
*
I live on the bluff at North Beach, Port Townsend. All day Sunday, there were minkes in the Salish Sea between the Olympic Peninsula and the San Juans. I've lived here for 7 years, and have never seen more than a rare glimpse of a loner. From 11am until the sun set, especially in late afternoon, I saw several dozen surfacings. It was very hard to tell how many whales there were. They seemed to be going back and forth; there were some that were recognizable as pairs, some looked to be alone. I had the binoculars on a fish ball full of gulls when suddenly all dispersed and a 4' or so dorsal fin appeared and disappeared. No other sign of orcas, though.
Annette Huenke, Port Townsend

October 6, 2012

Transients T049's yesterday by Darcy Island (I heard T036's also?), 6-8 whales, beautiful views with glass-like conditions. Also we had a wonderful encounter with Dall's porpoise on the return trip, they make everybody feel happy! A branded Steller sea lion also at Whale Rocks - he was born at St. George Reef in California (the "Y" on his number was the giveaway clue).
Jill Hein
*3:00PM - approximately 6 T's west of Kelp Reef (48°30.86N, 123°16.48W) traveling south. Another busy day on the water with all the familiar faces of the Salish Sea. In addition to watching Transient Killer Whales south of D'arcy Island, British Columbia (48°30.86N, 123°16.48W), we also came across a lone California Sea Lion. He was floating with just his head, hind flippers, and one pectoral flipper out of the water, a strategy sea lions use to regulate their body temperature in these frigid 48°F waters. On our way home we picked up a large pod of Dall's Porpoises. When Captain Craig slowed the boat to 7 knots, we watched their "rooster tail" splashes as they turned to converge on our bow. We were all in awe as we observed their chunky bodies of solid muscle zig zag around our bow and then breach to the side for a quick breath before taking another pass across our wake. I could watch those critters all day! There were fewer Steller's Sea Lions hauled out on Whale Rocks today, but more were milling in the water. We were impressed by a few individuals that were breaching completely out of the water. As was the case for yesterday, the Transients we observed stayed in a tight, slow-moving formation as they performed approximately 5 minute foraging dives. We tried our best to parallel the group as they made their way in a southerly direction toward Victoria; however, after one long dive they popped up right alongside our boat. We shut down and listened to them breath and prepare for their next stealth dive.
Naturalist Andrew, San Juan Safaris Whale Watching

October 5, 2012

3:00PM - Approximately 6 T's off Victoria (48°21.21N, 123°18.01W) traveling west.
Naturalist Andrew, San Juan Safaris Whale Watching
*
We had transients hunting today south of Discovery Island. After seriously injuring a Stellar sea lion just east of the island, they moved south and proceeded to make several kills in quick succession. The T49s and T36s were together and the T49 calf was very bouncy!
Marcie Callewaert

We saw a humpback at 9:00 in the main basin of Puget Sound. We were in the SB traffic lanes abeam of Carkeek Park. The whale was clearly sighted and was traveling north. Couldn't tell the sex. Very big and dark colored. Blowing, but not playing.
Bob Kruger, R/V Liberty, King County Environmental Lab=
*
We had been lucky to have seen many killer whales: approx 25-35 orcas transiting Active Pass, traveling very briskly towards the Fraser River 1700 hrs. No ID as to pod.
Captain Craig Foss Campbell, M/Y Golden Boy II
*
They're baaaaacccckkkk. So nice to have the rezzies back in area! Whales all over and a couple large mixed groups. We spent most of our time with a group with about 20 animals (mix of J's and K's).
Gary Sutton, Wild Whales Vancouver
*
The Center for Whale Research reports that members of all three pods except the L12s and the L22s went north up Haro Strait today, starting around 9 am off the south end of San Juan Island. They took their time most of the way with a few bursts of speed, passing Turn Point at 4:30 pm, headed NW up Swanson Channel. Yesterday afternoon the same whales were coming in the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
*12:10 - Sounds like some of all 3 pods....
12:06 - Calls and echolocation on Orcasound 12: noon!
Pam Ren
*
Lots of floating pandas on this warm, nearly windless morning at Eagle Cove/Eagle Point. They paraded by between 9 and 9:30am, in many small groups spread quite far apart, making their way from the southeast toward the Haro Strait.
Alex Shapiro, San Juan Island

October 2, 2012

I spotted 4 humpbacks in Port Madison (47' 43.6882, 122' 30.718, north of Bainbridge Island) at about 1pm. They did a big circle in Port Madison before heading north. A crew on board got several minutes of HD video. They surfaced every 4 minutes or so.
Daniel Matthew

October 1, 2012

Orcas passing Pt. Wilson.Paul Happel
*3:40 - Picking up distant vocalizations on Pt Townsend Hydrophone now.
Pam Ren
*
After Alisa Brooks' call about orcas between Scachet Head and Point No Point, off the south end of Whidbey Island at 9:35 am, Dick Snowberger and Sandra Pollard got a look at them from the north end of Mutiny Bay, Whidbey Island at about noon, still heading north in Admiralty Inlet. They launched their boat at 1 pm from Keystone with me and Alisa Lemire Brooks on board. We found them at 1:15 just north of Lagoon Point, and kept them in view as they moved slowly northward in mid-channel to between Ft. Casey and Port Townsend at 3:30. Tentative IDs included L53, L95, L55, L72, L103, L27, L105, and L116.
*9:35 update - leaders east of northbound shipping lanes mid sound between Pt No Point and Scatchet head. second group more to Kitsap side approaching Pt No Point. sure appears they are headed up Admialty inlet.
9:05 update - lead is mid channel mid Puget/Possession Sounds will know soon which direction, either up Admiralty or towards Mukilteo. Group of at least 5 w/male at about Eglon (Kitsap) still moving steadily north.
8:35. many orca : ) moving steadily north. Saw one breach just after last post. Clipper on scene now.
8:22 - now seen at least 6 foraging between Edmonds/Kingston, spread out some Kitsap side of channel. 1 large male in northerly movement.
8:15am - Seen at least two orca Edmonds side of mid channel out from Marina. Northerly direction it looked but have't seen them again. ferry terminal blocking view.
Alisa Lemire Brooks
*8:42 - Victoria Clipper just encountered a group of 5, including a female with an older calf, just south of the Edmonds-Kingston ferry lanes.
Stephanie Raymond
*3:15pm - 7 Transients traveling SE off Coal Island (48° 41.83N, 123° 22.19W, near Sidney, BC)
Andrew, Naturalist San Juan Safaris Whale Watching